The United States has reached over 100,000 deaths as a result of COVID-19, including 163 of our fellow Nebraskans. This virus is taking an enormous toll on families and communities in our state and around the country.

As we continue to fight this virus, I am more encouraged than ever by the work everyone is doing in Nebraska to slow the spread and keep others safe. These are challenging times, but Nebraskans always work hard to overcome challenges, and we face them head-on.

In the Senate, I continue to work to bring relief to our state and help ensure a safe reopening for our economy.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact my office. Working together, we will get through this pandemic.

Continue reading for more updates from the Senate.

I have been thinking a lot about this year's graduating class. No matter the program education-level, graduation marks a major milestone in every student's life. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has resulted in the cancellation of many of the graduation ceremonies. However, I am proud that Nebraskans have come up with new ways to make these students feel special.

In the Panhandle, community members created a Facebook group to allow people to "adopt a senior" by sending the students gifts and acknowledgments in celebration of their accomplishments. In a recent column, I highlighted other heartwarming stories from across our state of communities stepping up for the Class of 2020.

Agriculture is the economic engine of our state, and every Nebraskan benefits from a strong ag economy. I supported Congress' decision to direct $16 billion in direct aid to help farmers and ranchers through the CARES Act. The USDA is accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through August 28, 2020. You can begin your application through your local Farm Service Agency. I encourage everyone who qualifies to apply.

There is no doubt that the beef supply chain is strained. While demand for beef at the grocery store is up and meat packers are enjoying windfall profits, our producers and feeders are struggling with low cattle prices and significant market volatility. I have been listening to Nebraskans across our state, many of whom have been asking for investigations. After hearing from those stakeholders, I led two letters to the USDA and the Department of Justice asking for answers. Following those letters, these investigations have now begun. You can read why this is so important for our state in my recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal.

Recently, we commemorated Memorial Day, albeit little differently this year. I appreciate all of the Nebraskans who stepped up to pay tribute to the fallen in whatever way they could this year. Even in tough times, we must always remember how fortunate we are to live in the greatest country on Earth.

-Deb Fischer